Outraged residents are facing major car repair bills after a spate of vandalism across a Middlesbrough community.

Vehicles in Woodlands Road, Victoria Road, Abingdon Road, Waterloo Road, Egerton Street and Fern Street in the town centre area were targeted in the early hours of Tuesday.

At least 20 people reported to police that their cars had been affected. There was damage to paintwork, some over the full length of the car, and others with repeated, deep scratches on the bonnet.

But residents believe about 80 cars have been damaged in the area.

Taxi driver Zaid Majid said both his own car and his hackney carriage cab were scratched in the attack.

The 47-year-old of Victoria Road said: “Another taxi driver along the road came and knocked on our door at 10am and said ‘Have you seen this?’

“What was the reason to do that? It’s like they were just doing it for fun.”

Shafiq Hussain, who also lives on Victoria Road, said he believed the damage to his car would cost him between £300 and £400.

The 42-year-old said: “It looks like it’s been a screwdriver or a pen knife used. I was furious.”

A 61-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the damage and has been released on police bail.

Sergeant Bryan Marsay said inquiries are continuing.

“Following a number of alleged incidents of criminal damage on a large number of vehicles in the Middlesbrough town centre area, we are carrying out high visibility patrols and are following up a number of lines of inquiry including viewing CCTV and carrying out house-to-house inquiries,” he said.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to contact Sergeant Marsay on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.